Baltimore, Md. -- The Patriots (1-5-1, 0-0) secured their first win of the season against Loyola Maryland (3-2-2, 0-0) on Thursday, by a score of 1-0. The Green and Gold came out swinging, with three early shots by forward Ariana Bliven and one by graduate student Aaliyah Schinaman. The Patriots took the lead late in the first half with a goal by Isabella Yousefi. She was assisted by forward Vanessa Sarf. 

As Sarf raced down the far side of the pitch past her defender, she fired a shot that ricocheted off the post. Yousefi positioned herself excellently in the box to receive the rebound and put the ball into the back of the net. It was her first goal of the season. The Patriots controlled the ball for the majority of the first half, having numerous other chances to score. 

Loyola nearly evened the score as the first half was winding down, with a corner kick finding the back of the net. The referees overturned the goal and the scored remained 1-0 as time expired.

About 12 minutes into the second half, forward Ariana Reyes had a chance to score just outside the box, but it was knocked away by a Greyhound defender. Loyola Maryland then went on the offensive, making numerous pushes into Mason's defensive zone, but the Green and Gold's back line held steady, with help from goalkeeper Libby Davy. 

HOW THEY SCORED

42' l Isabella Yousefi scored a header off a rebound shot by Vanessa Sarf

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

George Mason out-shot the Greyhounds, 10-7. The Greyhounds had the advantage in corner kicks 3-2, but could not convert. Loyola Maryland's goalkeeper had a busy night, facing ten shots to Davy's seven. Mason tallied two shots on goal, and thanks to the Patriots' stellar defense, the Greyhounds logged none.

NEXT FOR MASON

The Patriots are slated to host DMV opponent American University at home this Sunday, September 14. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. inside George Mason Stadium.